I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

As of yesterday morning, a new family owns our little white house on Wahinepe’e St.

My heart is heavy and light, all at the same time. I am profoundly happy for the family who bought it, they are remarkable, and so very, very deserving. It’s also a very meloncholy (or should I say melon choly) feeling to say goodbye to a home that has cradled us as we’ve weathered so.many.storms. I remember my brother‘s room (before he moved out and set up camp on the beach… like a bona fide hobo). I remember where I was sitting (4 years ago tomorrow) when my Dad told me that had died. I remember where the baby‘s crib had been, and how joyous I felt as I assembled it. I remember how sorrowful I was as I broke it down and placed a dresser in it’s place… so I wouldn’t have to wake up every morning and stare at it sitting there, empty. I remember hours on end of laughter, plenty of yelling and madness, and so much friendship and love that I could burst at the seams just thinking about it.

But. . . I keep reminding myself, home is where we are, together. WE are what makes a house a home. Not friendly neighborhood kids in and out of the house all.day.long, not belly laughs, or tickle fests, not dance parties or trampoline wars, not more joyous memories than I can count… it’s us, and we’re sticking together.

Sheila Beal:
Oh Natalie...I can relate. I couldn't even go to the closing meeting when we sold our last house. I pre-signed the documents and then sat in the car crying while Andy went in to the meeting.
Best of luck to you and the fam for you move to the mainland! June 16, 2011 8:50 am

stephanie joy:
This makes me sad. I am so very happy for you guys though and for the next chapter in your lives! What new adventures await? So exciting! Thanks for being YOU. I have learned a lot from you. Love you. June 16, 2011 10:05 am

alisa greig:
wow, such memories. i can't even relate or imagine. God's continued rich blessings over you and your beautiful family--gonna miss you!!! June 16, 2011 2:47 pm

echo:
you have some great adventures ahead of you guys. you know you are making the right decision but it still sometimes hurts a little. thanks for being awesome. thanks for the fun girls night. thanks for helping me get through the miscarriage. thank you, thank you. love you. June 16, 2011 2:52 pm

tumi:
Best of luck on your future adventures!! It is a bitter sweet moment but enjoy each minute of it. Love you June 16, 2011 4:42 pm

Kent West:
You guys are rad, so so rad. All the best! June 16, 2011 5:03 pm

Rebekah @ It Only Gets Better:
Your post immediately made me think of a song on Animoto's video making site called "Always Home" by Sound of Harris (singer/songwriter section).
I am sure you will all make this transition beautifully! June 16, 2011 5:33 pm

Rebekah @ It Only Gets Better:
Sorry! I meant to post a link to the video I made with that song so that you could hear it.
http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com/2010/12/last-post-of-2010.html June 16, 2011 5:38 pm

Myrna M:
Natalie, you are the epitome of strength. I wish I had your way with words.. Your emotion and your passion and your faith move people beyond description. Best of faith to the Norton family.. Because wishing you luck wouldn't be appropriate for such an awesome family. :) June 16, 2011 5:43 pm

Malia:
Natalie, You and your family are so Beautiful! Inside and out! I'm so excited for your new adventure! I know Stuart said we were bummed but I know that only the BEST is in store for you! And you'll definitely be back (just like we will)! I'm glad I was able to see you even just to say Hi! before you left. Thank You for your inspiration! Take care and I'll see you in Internetland for the next 2 years! June 16, 2011 8:47 pm

Larry:
This reminds me of our move from Hawaii 4 years ago. I'm grateful that your move will bring you closer to where we are and we're excited to be able to see you guys. ;-) June 17, 2011 12:12 pm

amanda whitford:
Thanks Natalie. We appreciate what you'be done for Joe's parents and our tiny family. We'll take good care of the house. June 18, 2011 8:49 am

Rach the great:
I am all tears right now. You have an amazing and wonderful and Fabulous family. I am so grateful to have had you here. I miss you already. I love you soo much. June 18, 2011 10:44 pm

Jennifer Foulger:
Oh sweet sis! I carry your home in my heart! I know you will return there someday as you have so many close friends and Hawaii has always been where you belong. As excited as I am to have you so close to me, (and trust me, you will get sick of me very fast!) I know where your heart is, and it is in Hawaii - close to our brother and close to your son. I love you, love you, love you! xoxo June 19, 2011 2:02 pm

marie rose:
Good Luck on your new adventure. You do not cease to be amaze me. Through all these trials in your life you have been nothing but positive and strong. I hope that I can tackle the challenges before me with as much grace and faith as you! You are a rock star! June 19, 2011 5:52 pm

Sabrina (Chicago):
We just moved too, bittersweet. Very bittersweet, I gave birth to 3 children while we lived there, 1 in my bedroom. It has been hard, but, things change and better opportunities for your family (and mine) abound. Many thoughts and prayers as you travel this new road. June 23, 2011 4:54 am